Program Assistant

Mission and objectives

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nations’ global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. It is on the ground in 177 countries, working on solutions to global and national development challenges. UNDP China assists China in developing its own solutions to the country’s development challenges and works to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by reducing poverty, strengthening the rule of law and democratic governance, and by promoting environmental sustainability and South-South Cooperation.

Context

The International Poverty Reduction Center in China (IPRCC), based in Beijing, was jointly initiated and established by the Chinese government, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other international organizations in December 2004. The IPRCC is designed to provide a platform for knowledge sharing, information exchange and international collaboration in the areas of poverty reduction and development. The IPRCC aims at strengthening national and international capacities to design and implement policies and programs for poverty reduction, with a focus on both income and human dimensions of poverty, through (i) providing an effective platform for knowledge sharing and mutual learning on pro-poor policies and anti-poverty programs between China and other developing/transition economies; (ii) supporting a comprehensive approach to poverty reduction through policy-relevant research work and training initiatives covering both macro-policies and targeted programs for poverty reduction; and (iii) promoting dialogue between policymakers, academics and practitioners around pro-poor policy options and strengthening the links between pro-poor policy research, formulation and implementation processes at different levels. IPRCC will also build up its institutional capacity to develop a global poverty reduction and development partnership ,through active networking and partnering for knowledge exchange, joint research and training initiatives with poverty reduction focused institutions in China and other countries. This project is to guide the International Poverty Reduction Center in China’s (IPRCC) five workstreams during 2022-2026. In line with the UNDP Country Programme Document for China 2021-2025, the project with IPRCC will scale up the sharing of the policies, strategies and practices that China has relied on to end extreme poverty at home by 2020 and help the most vulnerable groups including women, children, migrants and the disabled. Since an estimated 131 million people fell back into poverty in 2020, and up to 800 million people are projected to remain in poverty by 2030 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other crises, the project includes measures IPRCC will take to bolster its institutional capacity to address these challenges. The project will build up IPRCC’s institutional capacities, for it to be able to develop a global poverty reduction and rural development partnership, in order to enhance its worldwide impact in sustainable development towards global poverty eradication, including the contribution to SDG1 (No Poverty) and SDG5 (Gender Equality) through research, pilot demonstration, and capacity building, with focus on women and other vulnerable groups.

Task Description

With the Project —Building a Global Poverty Reduction and Rural Development Partnership towards Global Poverty Eradication, and under the direct supervision of the Head of the Cooperation Division of the International Poverty Reduction Center in China, the UN volunteer shall undertake the following tasks to help IPRCC move from generic experiences sharing and exchange into problem-solving oriented and action-based learning, with other developing countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America, and to maintain the South-South cooperative platform established between China and other developing countries. The focus of this UNV position is implementing and supporting the management of poverty alleviation projects, and in close coordination with the World Bank and IFAD,etc. · Compile and edit project inputs or documents, including internal progress report, work plan, budget management, and project updates; · Assist in translating and proof-reading memos, brochures, emails, and other documents in English and/or Chinese; · Assist in project supervision, monitoring and evaluation, data collection, etc.; · Support project-related outreach activities, including workshops, seminars, etc.; · Maintain and develop communications with key partners； · Conduct research on poverty alleviation and international development issues as requested; · Undertake daily operational work-flows of the Cooperation Division and other tasks assigned by IPRCC. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to: · Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark IVD); · Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; · Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities; · Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; · Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; · Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Competencies and values

· Strong writing and editing skills in both Chinese and English; · Good communications and interpersonal skills; · Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office; · Sound judgment, diplomacy and sensitivity in confidential matters; · Detail-oriented and deadline conscious, good time management abilities; · Demonstrates courtesy in working within the team and counterparts.

Living conditions and remarks

The duty station of the national UNV is in the International Poverty Reduction Center in China located in Beijing, where high-quality public infrastructure and health services are available. It is the foremost political and cultural metropolis in China. The city has excellent health services available. In general, rent for apartments in central locations is high relative to other regions in China, but quality is good. Beijing is well served by many shopping malls, large supermarket chains and international brands. Buses and subways are the most common form of mass transportation. Metered taxis are widely available and domestic and regional travel by train and airplane is popular. The National UN Volunteer receives a standard volunteer living allowance (VLA), which is intended to cover their accommodation and basic living expenses. The NUNV is entitled to an excellent health, life and disability insurance package. A modest Settling-in Grant and end of assignment allowances will also be provided along with travel to and from the duty station. The NUNV is entitled to 2.5 days personal leave per month and UN official holidays.